North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
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North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
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91社区福利 has appointed Rev. Dennis R. Edwards, PhD as Dean of North Park Theological Seminary and Vice President for Church Relations. He will report directly to North Park President Mary K. Surridge and serve as a member of her senior leadership team, beginning August 1, 2022.
Rev. Dennis R. Edwards
Rev. Dr. Edwards, ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church, is a with more than 25 publications to his credit, most recently on Biblical affirmation that black lives matter.
鈥淲e are blessed indeed to have Rev. Dr. Edwards in this position,鈥� President Surridge said. 鈥淚 have full confidence in his leadership, his discipleship and our partnership. I know he will continue the Seminary鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit while assuring an exceptional educational experience for each and every student. And I look forward to the strategic and innovative thinking, and the pastoral presence, that he will bring to the senior team.鈥�
The Seminary is well known for innovation in higher theological education. In addition to the residential campus in Chicago, and online classes, the Seminary has several forward-thinking programs including a master鈥檚 degree through its School of Restorative Arts (SRA), which operates inside two correctional facilities within the Illinois Department of Corrections. The SRA is a unique educational opportunity where inside and outside students study together in the same classroom inside the prisons.
Edwards has served as a professor of Biblical studies at eight institutions of higher learning over the past 24 years, including his first service to North Park Theological Seminary, where he taught Mobilizing for Justice in spring 2013 and has served as associate professor of New Testament since August 2019.
Edwards has written more than 25 publications: “1 Peter,” part of the Story of God Bible Commentary series; “What is the Bible and How Do We Understand It?”; and “Might from the Margins: The Gospel鈥檚 Power to Turn the Tables on Injustice”. He is also a frequent contributor to Christianity Today magazine. His extensive professional activities also include lectures and presentations, podcasts and webinars, and service on numerous boards and steering committees.
Dean Edwards served for three decades in urban pastoral ministry. He was senior pastor of the Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis; founding pastor of Peace Fellowship Church in Washington, DC; associate and then lead pastor of Washington Community Fellowship on Capitol Hill; and founding pastor of New Community Church in Brooklyn, New York.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, his Master of Divinity (Urban Ministry) at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and both a Master of Arts and PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America.
鈥淎s I follow Jesus, I am continuing to grow in my love for God and love for my neighbors,鈥� Edwards said. 鈥淚 hope to encourage others to grow similarly in such love and trust that my decades of pastoral ministry along with my scholarly work will be helpful in this new opportunity at North Park. I look forward to working with the Seminary students, faculty, and staff, with the President and her senior team, and with the Covenant in this vital role.鈥�
Jay Carstenbrock, chairman of the search committee and vice chairman of the North Park Board of Trustees, said Rev. Dr. Edwards 鈥渨as the unanimous choice of the search committee, and strongly supported by faculty and staff at the Seminary. As an accomplished scholar, gifted teacher, collaborative leader, and dedicated Christ-follower, we have great confidence in his ability to lead North Park Theological Seminary as it carries out its mission: 鈥榃ith Christ at our center, we seek to educate and form missional leaders for the global church鈥�.鈥�
North Park is the University of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). The Seminary dean is the senior administrative officer of the University鈥檚 Seminary, responsible for assuring effective student learning, advancement of faculty scholarship, and stewardship of financial resources. As vice president for church relations, the dean is the primary liaison to the ECC in areas related to the education of ministerial candidates.
“I just love that Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madl went out of their way to make sure that we had a family experience and were prepared in an unprecedented time.鈥�
Joseph Segreti, Educational Leadership (Principal endorsement) G鈥�21
鈥淚鈥檓 a teacher and I was looking into pursuing an educational leadership program, so I was put into contact with Dr. Walsh. The first time I talked to him he gave me 45 minutes to an hour on the phone and wanted to take every single question I had.
“The conversation and relationship with him were both so natural, and that continued as I went through the program and even after the program. Through the cohorts Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madl did everything they could to look out for us. Our cohort was two or three classes in when the pandemic hit, but Dr. Madl and Dr. Walsh continued to keep us on track and engage and invest in us.
“They would check on us, whether it be a phone call or an email, and anytime we would call they would pick up and were willing to give us the time. When we were finishing up the program, they wanted to get everybody together just to see each other one last time, so we all went out to lunch. I just love that Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madl went out of their way to make sure that we had a family experience and were prepared in an unprecedented time.鈥�
“It鈥檚 because of my love of North Park and those days as a student that it鈥檚 on my heart to keep giving. I believe in North Park鈥檚 mission.”
Joyce Broman Appel C鈥�45
鈥淚 attended North Park right in the middle of World War II, so there were very few men on campus. That made it a special time for us women, and we bonded because it was such a different setting. It鈥檚 because of my love of North Park and those days as a student that it鈥檚 on my heart to keep giving. I believe in North Park鈥檚 mission.
鈥淚 returned to community when my husband started teaching at North Park. Spending those years there really deepened my commitment to North Park. My brothers and sister all went to North Park, as did our oldest daughter.
鈥淟ast year on Blue and Gold Day I made a matching promise that if a certain number of people raised $2,000 in a certain amount of time, I would match it. I plan to give again on this Blue and Gold Day and I hope that my gift last year inspires people to make a matching gift this year!鈥�
“I have so many great memories of North Park, from playing soccer to working on the College News to hanging out in the art building. But, it was the people who made the difference.”
Todd Durston C鈥�94
鈥淚 have so many great memories of North Park, from playing soccer to working on the College News to hanging out in the art building. But, it was the people who made the difference. Freshman year I lobbed a snowball at a window in Ohlson House, where the first-year women lived at the time. It broke, and I was terrified. But the RD, Marilyn, showed such grace and kindness when I apologized.
“There were dozens of people like that at North Park, including my wonderful art professors, like Neal Murray. He spent so much time nurturing our talents and encouraging us. During the 90s, there was a strong group of grads going into advertising, a career I wanted to pursue. When I graduated, I almost immediately called on some of those older alums to help me establish my own career. Now, I鈥檓 a creative director at a large agency and I get to do all kinds of rewarding work, such as shooting commercials with Elmo. I give so much credit to my North Park education. Oh, and I also met my wife there. Thanks, North Park!鈥�
Eva Peroulas, 91社区福利 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate, is using a $70,000 grant from to fund much needed programs to improve the health of women and their newborn babies in underserved and at-risk populations. As part of Peroulas鈥� DNP project, an integral learning requirement to earn a DNP, Peroulas set out to focus on health disparities and identifying pressing women鈥檚 health issues in the diverse 60625 demographic. With a passion for women鈥檚 health, guidance and mentoring from North Park DNP professors, and the financial support from Swedish Hospital, Peroulas is making a difference in one of the most significant stages in a woman鈥檚 lifespan鈥攑re and perinatal health.
Eva Peroulas
Energetic, dedicated, and resourceful, Peroulas began her educational nursing journey spanning over 30 years when she watched, in gratitude, nursing staff care for her young son in the hospital for a month and wanted to return the favor to other patients and their families. She soon after earned her associate’s degree in nursing; 10 years later a BSN; a graduate certificate in healthcare management from North Park; 10 years later a MSN; and another 10 years later her DNP. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about leading with example on a personal and professional level,鈥� said Peroulas. A clinical instructor at North Park from 2013-2015, Peroulas believes in continuous learning to understand the full realm of nursing more fully, which she passed on to her daughter who also became a nurse.
As the Director of聽Women and Newborn聽Services at Swedish Hospital, Peroulas seeks to help anyone who is in need and to communicate the message that we are here for you. This motto has set Peroulas鈥� goals in motion and has been benefitting the diverse community that Swedish Hospital serves, representing 60 languages and 17 ethnic centers.
Armed with the $70,000 grant from Swedish Hospital and the mindset that healthy babies and healthy moms are the very reasons for the healthcare system to recognize a return on their investment, Peroulas set out to support every mother-to-be starting with a breastfeeding clinic. 鈥淭he foundation (Swedish Hospital) is the wind beneath my wings, and they do so much for our community,鈥� said Peroulas.
Lactation Consultation and Doula Services
Peroulas will put the grant to immediate use towards programs marked by long-lasting health and wellness outcomes for mother and baby. After discovering that pregnant women in underserved and at-risk populations are three times more likely to not breastfeed, Peroulas set out to address provider bias, which influences breastfeeding assumptions. With supportive assistance like the breastfeeding clinic at Swedish Hospital combined with lactation consultants on-hand, Peroulas has already seen an increase in breastfeeding rates and a marked improvement in postpartum recovery among new mothers.
In addition, Peroulas聽will be starting聽a doula service program (professional labor assistant providing physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) to help underserved and at-risk populations recover from childbirth and adjust to motherhood.
Addressing Access and Healthcare Inequities
Seeing that provider bias has a far-reaching effect, even outside the immediate healthcare setting, Peroulas instituted a program to provide bassinets and car seats, after finding the SIDS rate to be higher for at-risk populations.
Peroulas鈥� holistic thinking is on a continuum and with no detail overlooked鈥攆rom accessing services once already in a healthcare setting to getting to/from healthcare facilities. Cab vouchers are being set aside for patients in need, so they can keep and arrive on-time to health and wellness appointments.
Grooming of Leadership Skills
Described as down-to-earth, warm, hard-working, and funny, Peroulas understands the issues of not being part of the mainstream culture. 鈥淧eroulas put information together logically and ran with it beyond all expectations. She is a very passionate, accepting person,鈥� said Dr. Maryann Gierloff, 91社区福利 Associate Professor of Nursing and Director of Graduate Programs.
Peroulas, on track to earn her DNP in December 2022, has built a steady career on the premise that in order to learn it has to be challenging. 鈥淚鈥檓 really happy I chose North Park. It鈥檚 (DNP) not an easy program but it鈥檚 a very warm environment and a university that is also like family,鈥� said Peroulas.
“I have fond memories of my time playing for the Vikings football team, and I carry my school pride to this day.”
Shazad Carbaidwala, Business Management, C鈥�01
“I have fond memories of my time playing for the Vikings football team, and I carry my school pride to this day. I still have my game jersey, practice jersey, practice shorts, and other North Park paraphernalia. I remember the camaraderie with all my teammates and all the rigorous training sessions that molded me into who I am today.
“My mentors and coaches taught me about hard work and dedication 鈥� a recipe for success not only on the gridiron, but in life. My hours training and learning allowed me to become regional champion bodybuilder and gave me the intellect to start my own personal training business.
“It means the world to me being part of the North Park community. Being a North Park Viking has taught me discipline, hard work, and an Iron Will attitude to accomplish everything I set out to do.”
“Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
Paul De Neui, Professor of Missiology
“During my first convocation as a new faculty member of the , I was at the end of the line and one of my former professors (I was a student in the seminary in ’81) Dr. John Weborg came back to me and said, ‘We do not walk in according to seniority. Come and walk in up here with me.’ That has been my experience as a member of the Seminary faculty since 2005.”
“Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men.”
Robert Craig C’75, History and Urban Studies
“I grew up in Chicago and attended high school a mile or so down Foster Avenue from North Park at Amundsen High. Nothing in my high school history classes could have prepared me for my first history lecture at North Park鈥攁n American history class taught by Dr. Wiberg in the auditorium. It must have been a 101 class because there were over a hundred students. Dr. Wiberg sat on a stool on the stage鈥攏o lectern, no notes鈥攁nd just started speaking. It was the most incredible thing I had ever heard. I was mesmerized! I happened to look around and everyone else had their heads down and were writing in their notebooks. I thought to myself ‘they should be listening to this; it’s wonderful!’ About then the person next to me whispered and told me I should be taking notes. ‘Notes?! What is that?’ I didn’t have a clue! Luckily, I had some great friends who rolled their eyes, laughed at my plight, and then pitched in to give me a crash course in note-taking. It must have worked.
“Being a history major influenced me greatly, not only in my knowledge and understanding of history but in how to research and most importantly to write. Classes with Charles Wiberg and Zenos Hawkinson were an incredible experience. I learned how to learn from these men. Every class required a research paper, and we were taught to write clearly and succinctly. Neither would accept anything but grammatically correct and structurally sound papers. There was no such thing as good writing, only good re-writing. Papers were to be properly annotated and footnoted. It was only after your paper passed muster in these areas that content was examined. When your paper was finally accepted, it was a cause for celebration. The ability to write well was crucial in my chosen profession, and after having those classes I was prepared for just about anything.”
“North Park has served as a community that has aided the growth and development of me as a student and a musician, both professionally and personally.”
Terrance Smith, Conducting and Voice C鈥�15, MA in Christian Formation S鈥�22
“North Park has served as a community that has aided the growth and development of me as a student and a musician, both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with the gospel choir and with the university choir. We went to Sweden, California on the west coast, and New Jersey and Boston on the east coast. Singing, leading, and playing a role in the community really helped me grow as a person.
“Dr. Helen Hawkins, who retired last year, also made my time at North Park memorable. Because of our relationship, I was recommended for her position as the Director of the Gospel Choir, which is how I am now a part of North Park faculty and staff. Dr. Julia Davids is a great mentor, too, and is now one of my colleagues. I am excited and grateful that North Park gave me the opportunity to develop my story and that I now have the privilege of sharing my experiences and joy that have been a part of my journey with students and generations to come. We are better together.”
“When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me.”
Joan McPherson S鈥�97, Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Management
I had been serving as an associate minister and wanted to attend seminary to improve my knowledge of the Bible, but I had two small children and only a high school education. Even my pastor said he didn鈥檛 think this could happen, but for me this was a faith journey. I wanted to be an example of what God can do.
I quit a really nice job with the US Treasury and went to North Park. I was an older student, from a Pentecostal background, with no undergraduate degree. I was so impressed with the warmth in how they received me. They recognized my experience in business and public speaking and let me enroll.
One day I accepted a ride home from a classmate, and my husband became jealous. He was verbally abusive and threatened me. I was not physically hurt, but emotionally devastated. I had my pride and didn鈥檛 want to tell the school, but I had to. I had to look for a place to stay. I was not working. My church of 25 years abandoned me. I was undone.
North Park was the stranger that picked me up when I was in the middle of the road. They cared for me. They bandaged my wounds. I stayed on campus, and my kids grew up at North Park. I worked for two years at Covenant headquarters, I made new friends, and the faculty helped me realize I had not been called by my church, I had been called by God.
With master鈥檚 degrees in theology and management, I wound up with a job as the Director of Education for the African American Leadership Partnership supporting African American pastors pursuing graduate degrees. Since then, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to speak and serve at churches of almost every denomination.
When I look back at my life, my foundation is in Christ, but I have to give credit to North Park for believing in me. The University, Seminary, and North Park Covenant Church supported us, loved us, and gave me hope in a very difficult time in my life. I will always love this school!
Author Ellen AlmerPosted on Categories News, Stories
